All I can say is wow. I put the kids to bed last night and decided to watch TV for an hour and accidentally came across, "A Promise Called Iowa". (The link gets to you to the home page for the program and includes video clips, etc..).
I sat there mesmerized by Iowa's ex-governor Robert Ray as he help unfold the story of Iowa's lead role in stepping up to take refugees in the post-Vietnam war era. Of most interest was the acceptance of an entire community of refugees at one time, the Tai Dam, that took a special exemption from President Ford.
Maybe every Iowan walking around already knows tales of this era...but as a transplant I was completely ignorant.
I'd highly recommend that you seek out and watch this program. If I read things properly on the website, I believe it's on again June 21st, at 7PM. It's an invigorating and humbling experience.
I am a proud Iowan.
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